Cooley was born December 21, 1831 in the village of Eythorn, Kent, England. He was orphaned at an early age. He apprenticed as a seaman and set sail for America in 1853. He married on board the ship "Camillus of New York" to Ellen Tolputt on May 19, 1853. They arrived in New Orleans and made their way to Salt Lake City, UT. having been converted to the Mormon faith while in England. Cooley arrived in San Bernardino May 11, 1857. He bought farm land 4 miles south of town. He served on the County Board of Supervisors for many years. He died April 2, 1916 and is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery.
Photo courtesy of City of San Bernardino Historical and Pioneer Society